An Australian version of the hit BBC car programme Top Gear will be broadcast on SBS next year, the first time the show has been licensed anywhere in the world.
The eight part series will have local presenters and is being produced by Freehand Productions, which is 25% owned by BBC Worldwide.
SBS has also secured the rights to Top Gear’s UK edition for the life of the series.
SBS director of content, Matt Campbell said: “Top Gear is a unique show and one of BBC Worldwide’s biggest global properties. In making it, we won’t simply replicate the UK series with an Australian version of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond or James May. SBS plans to make a program that is uniquely and quintessentially Australian.”
Julie Dowding, BBC Worldwide Australasia’s head of sales added: “We are very proud that the first global deal for a local version of Top Gear has been done here in Australia.”
Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson quipped: “I'm delighted that Top Gear is going to Australia. Maybe the first guest could be Jonny Wilkinson.”
